Who needs a pediatrician anyway? Last Thursday was one of my first days I was alone with all three kids since I gave birth to Ayla in early December. My husband was at work in a meeting, and as dinner time approached, I laid Ayla in her bouncy chair so I could prepare food for the family. As I sautéed the garlic and onions for our meal, I heard Keira, our nearly three-year-old daughter say “Okay breath, breath, breath.” I turned around to see her with all of her doctor toys in a bag and a stethoscope in her ears, and the other end on her one-month-old sister’s chest. Ayla was mesmerized by her older sister, and watched intently at every move she made. I quietly stood and watched their cute interplay of sisterly care and returned intrigue. I got my camera as Keira gave Ayla a shot, took her temperature and even asked for my help to take Ayla’s blood pressure.
After several minutes Ayla started to fuss, and Keira said “Baby Ayla is sick and needs medicine!” I smiled, “Really? What kind of medicine?” Keira gave a huge grin back and stated emphatically, “Mama, she needs the boob!” I laughed and said, “Where would Ayla get a boob, Keira?” Keira looked at me, and then shook her head in disbelief, “Your boob, Mama! She needs milk! Hurry, baby is sick, hurry!”
As a mother, I loved to watch my daughter Keira play doctor, my little pediatrician, with her baby sister. Keira is a wonderful big sister, and she helps to the point of being dangerous at times. I am excited to watch their relationship grow and blossom into something beautiful. The love between two sisters can last a lifetime.
